Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Eric Lamar Jerlqune Stanley was born to Latara Stanley and Ishmel Grant on November 12, 2005. The LORD blessed them with a remarkable angel, who defeated life threatening medical challenges, that the doctors said were impossible and grew into a loving young man. For nineteen years, Eric impacted our lives with memories that we will cherish forever. Eric was a loving man, who never missed a chance to show and tell his family and friends how much he loved them. “Loyalty” was his watch word; Eric was always a true person and committed to unwavering support of his friends and family. He was an energetic, intelligent, loving, fun and compassionate young man. Eric’s time here was brief, but it felt like a lifetime as we were blessed to share so many fun memories and countless hours of laughter together. He was a hard worker and embraced challenges. His charming personality complimented his beautiful smile as a radiant beacon of love and joy, which captivated everyone that saw it. Eric, when we start to miss you and tears begin to flow, we will remember the precious moments shared and how your love enriched our lives. Eric committed his life to Christ and was saved through the blood of Jesus at four years old. Eric L. J. Stanley and his brother, Xavier A. D. Grant-Buggs, both recommitted their lives to Jesus Christ in church and took communion the morning of their passing. Later that night, Eric and Xavier were called upon by our heavenly father on February 17, 2025. We may not understand GOD’s decision, but we are forever grateful for the time Eric had on earth with us. As a family, we find comfort in knowing that our GOD knows what’s best for each of us, and we lean on our heavenly father for support and comfort as we process through this difficult time. We also find refuge that Eric committed his self to the LORD prior to his passing and we are reassured and joyful to have Eric as an angel to cover us.
Eric was adventurous, smart and creative. He had many skills, passions and faithfully served the community. He received the following awards: Governor Award from Georgia Govern Brian Kemp, City Award from Brunswick, Georgia from Mayor Cosby H. Johnson, Georgia Florida Gospel Award and countless other gospel awards. He received many sports related awards and received direct invites to attend colleges in Las Vegas and North Carolina for football. One of only 2 people to receive a special invite to attend a national college football camp and broke 2 records. Eric played with the Gospel Superiors, Bro. Horace Jones and Mighty Jubalaiers, Elder Roderick Stanley and The Holy Spirit Believers. He was guitar player, wrestler at Risley Middle and made the Brunswick High Wrestler team. He won a match at the State of Georgia level tournament. He played basketball at Brunswick High and Christian Academy. Lastly, he played football for True Institute. He made the Falcons semi pro team through his training at True Institute. He had a passion for singing, kickboxing, taichi, boxing and all types of fashion (always looking fly). He knew the latest dances. As a child, he loved to dance like Michael Jackson, collected sneakers and guitars. He spent time with loved ones (family and friends), hung out with his cousins and love barbecuing. Eric was also a businessman. His entrepreneurship spirit birthed E4L (Eric for Life) which made cologne, soaps and lotions. Later, he created a NIKE tennis shoe under his company E4L.
Eric was preceded in death by his son, Symere Stanley; grandfather, Darrius Lee and brother Xavier Alexander Donyel Grant-Buggs.
Eric leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Latara N. Stanley-Lee; his father, Ishmel Grant; aunt and uncle who helped raise him, Eric and Vicki Stanley; grandmother, Chief Apostle Linda Lee; grandfather, Jerome Grant; grandparents, Johnny and Carolyn Smith; sisters, Imesha Stanley, Destiny Grant, Trinity Buggs; brother, Ishmel Grant, Jr.; godfather, James Brooks; god sister, J’niya Brooks; godbrothers, Jamari Bethea, J’Rael Bethea and Quan Brown; a host of aunts, uncles, over one hundred cousins and a multitude of loving friends.